Galapagos Islands on Beluga

Your itinerary commences at the airport, offering the option to start from Quito*, situated in the Ecuadorian highlands just south of the equator, or from the airport in Guayaquil*, located along the banks of the Guayas River. From your starting city you fly to the Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands. You will then be met upon arrival and transferred to Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz. On the way we are driving through the highlands of Santa Cruz. They have a deep green colour, contrasting beautifully with some of the much dryer islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green colour. We will visit the underground lava tubes which are over half a mile long and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. This afternoon we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. At the Charles Darwin Research Station you'll learn first hand of the conservation and research efforts in the Galapagos islands. See the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs which are saving several races of tortoises from extinction and tour the Van Straelen Exhibit Hall. For most, this will be the only opportunity to see the giant Galapagos tortoises. The Charles Darwin Research Station conducts and facilitates research in the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve of Ecuador. The Darwin Station is part of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to scientific research in the Galapagos Islands since 1959. After this full day excursion we will be transferred to our boat. The crew will welcome you and show you the cabins where your bags will be waiting for your. *For anyone travelling to the Galapagos Islands you need to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your scheduled cruise in case there are flight delays or cancellations. We strongly recommend that you do not book flights out of Quito or Guayaquil for the same day your cruise finishes. PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are flexible and are subject to change according to weather, local conditions and circumstances beyond our control. You will follow one of two itineraries however please note they should be used as a guide only. These are offered on alternate weeks, your consultant will advise which itinerary is scheduled to operate on your desired date. Please be aware, while wildlife is abundant in the Galapagos there is no guarantee of seeing specific animals or birds.

Meals:  L,D

We hike along the coastline and discover colourful flora and fauna. The well-known land iguanas here can grow over five feet long. The Santa Fe species of iguana are more bright yellow and have uncommonly large spikes on their spine. In true Galapagos style the Opuntia cactus, a favorite food of the land iguana, has responded by growing tall and woody - up to 33 feet high and are the largest of their kind in Galapagos. Manta rays and sea turtles flit by as dark shadows against the sandy bottom of Santa Fe's beautiful anchorage. After a long hike, relax with a swim in the calm waters of the beautiful bay, or snorkel along in the company of sea lions at the base of the rocks. The Plazas Islands are twin islands located off the east coast of Santa Cruz. North Plaza is closed due to scientific research and South Plaza is the visitor site. Both islands were formed by geological uplift. The islands tilt to the north. The island's southern portion has a greater degree of uplift contain cliffs with spectacular views. Visiting South Plaza begins with a dry landing. The rocky trail circumnavigates the island displaying the combination of dry and coastal vegetation zone. The island is home to enormous prickly pear cactus and the endemic succulent sesuvian. These succulents with almond-shaped leaves are green during the rainy season December - May. Then become red during the dry season giving the island an unusual appearance. South Plaza has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galapagos. The iguanas seem to be everywhere once you land. These larger than average yellow-brown land iguanas feed on the fruit and pads of the prickly pear cactus. South Plaza is also home to marine iguanas living along the coast and a hybrid iguana whose fathers are marine iguanas and mothers are land iguanas. As the walk continues along the sea cliffs Swallow-tailed gulls, Frigate birds, Audubon shearwaters, Red-billed tropicbirds, Brown pelicans, Blue-footed and Masked boobies are frequently seen. Beneath along the shore a colony of bachelor sea lions can be seen. Snorkeling in these waters can provide some excellent views of the marine life including sea turtles, sharks, yellow mullets, and other fish. Highlights are: land iguanas, nesting swallow tail gulls and snorkeling with friendly sea lions. It is a flat trail with high cliffs be careful not to get too close to cliff's edge. Note: keep your eyes out for one of the hybrid iguanas on the island.

Meals:  B,L,D

San Cristobal or Chatham the eastern most Island of Galapagos is also one of the oldest. Eroded volcanic peaks in the northern part of the island and rich vegetation in the southern portion characterize the island. This morning we visit Witch Hill. Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of Booby Birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling. Highlights: Beautiful rock formations, sea lions, shore birds, finches and mockingbirds; snorkeling: nice tropical fish, anemones, sponge coral. Activities: Hike, dinghy ride, snorkeling & kayaking. This afternoon we explore Kicker Rock. This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life. Highlights: Great snorkeling: sharks, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays (occ.), hammerhead sharks, spectacular rock formations and sea birds: Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies & Frigate birds. Activities: Snorkeling & dinghy ride (no landing). Today we also make our way to El Junco or Tijeretas Hill. The Junco lagoon, located about 700m above sea level, is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in Galapagos. Frigate birds are often seen here washing the salt from their feathers as well as white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules. Its name comes from a type of plant that is common in this area called “junco”. Tijeretas hill provides visitors with an impressive view of the bay from one side and the town from the other. The area is also great for observing both the Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds and a diverse array of flora. The site also offers safe snorkeling and swimming. Later today we visit the Interpretation Center, which was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The Interpretation Center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment and meeting rooms.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning, we will visit Islote Osborn, Islote Gardner and Gardner Bay. Islote Osborn: It is located to the southeast of Gardner Bay, near Española Island. Since landing is not allowed on this site, the visit consists of a tranquil panga ride that will allow us to enjoy the panoramic views and the many species that inhabit the place. There are many different schools of fish and other animal species, such as parrotfish, sea lions, butterfly fish, corals, green pencil urchins and many other colorful fish. This site is also great for snorkeling and swimming around the abundant marine life, as its waters are very calm. Islote Gardner: It is formed by vertical cliffs that drop to sandy ledges and large boulders, creating a magical landscape both above and beneath the water surface. Snorkeling around the islet is a rewarding experience, as its usual to encounter the smallest of the Galapagos fish: garden eels, snake eels, Black-spotted morays, pufferfish, scorpionfish, and red-lipped batfish. The area also has an abundance of other, larger fishes, including schools of snappers, creole fish, king angelfish, butterflyfish, jacks, large pufferfish and a variety of sea urchins and sea stars. Gardner Bay: It is located on the northeastern portion of the island offers a magnificent long, white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions laze in the sun, sea turtles swim offshore and inquisitive mockingbirds boldly investigate. The beach considered an open area where you are free to explore. Snorkeling at Gardner Bay is fantastic. This is often your first chance to swim with the Sea Lions and this is an opportunity not to be missed. Further out towards Tortuga Rock and Gardner Island schools of large colorful tropical fish including yellow tailed surgeon fish, king angelfish and bump-head parrot fish swim along with an occasional manta ray gliding by and white-tipped sharks napping on the bottom. Highlights: open area, sea lion colonies, most inquisitive mockingbirds in Galapagos. Enjoy the long powdery white sand beach; bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Please be cautious not to disturb sea turtle nests. In the afternoon we will visit Punta Suarez. Found on the western tip of Española, Punta Suarez offers great wildlife such as sea lions, sea birds and the largest marine iguanas of Galapagos. This is one of the best sites in the Galapagos. The amount of wildlife is overwhelming. Along the beach there are many sea lions and large, colourful lava lizards and marine iguanas. As you follow the trail to the cliff's edge masked boobies can be found nesting among the rock formations. After a short walk down to a beach and back up the other side blue-footed boobies are seen nesting just off the trail. The Galapagos Dove and very friendly Hood Mockingbird are commonly found in this area. The nearby bushes are frequently home to the large-cactus finch, warbler finch, small-ground finch and large-billed flycatcher. Continuing down the trail you come to the only place where waved albatross nest in the islands. Some 12,000 pairs nest on Española each year. The feeling is very dramatic and it seems like a desolate wilderness as the waves crash on the jagged cliffs below and the blowhole shoots water 50-70 feet/15-30 meters into the air. The sky above is full of sea birds including red-billed tropicbirds, American Oystercatchers, swallow-tailed gulls and Audubon's Shearwaters. Highlights: mating or nesting albatross, marine iguanas, and blue footed boobies, Galapagos Hawk sightings. The rocky, uneven trail can be one of the more difficult in the islands. Notes: bring water, good hiking shoes, be careful not to walk off trail and disturb nests.

Meals:  B,L,D

Located approximately 4 to 5 hours west of Española and equal distance south of Santa Cruz, Floreana has long been a favourite site of visitors including pirates, whalers and early settlers. We visit a Flamingo Lagoon where other species of shore birds may also be seen. We will also have the opportunity to snorkelling at Devil´s Crown, a submerged volcanic cone. Located just off Punta Cormorant this is the best snorkeling in the Galapagos! To see the crown you need to go underwater, an almost completely submerged volcano, which erosion has transformed the cone into a series of jagged peaks creating the "Devil's Crown". The remains of the volcano create a haven for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans and frigates. Red-billed tropical birds can be seen nesting in the crevices. The highlight of the visit is snorkeling in the centre of the crater. You may play with sea lions, while swimming with schools of colourful king angel fish, balloon fish, hawk fish, scrawled filefish, yellowtail grunts, tiger snake eels, white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, amberjacks, wrasses, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles. In the afternoon we visit Post Office Bay. You can leave a post card here in a wooden barrel mailbox like whalers did in the 18th century. Make sure to bring some post cards to send to friends and family back home - postage free but might take some time until they arrive.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning, we will walk to a saltwater lagoon which is occasionally visited by pink flamingos. Then we will walk up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for numerous reintroduced land iguanas. There is also a peculiar Scalesia tree forest. The next excursion in the afternoon is Sullivan Bay. The Sullivan Bay lava field is a variety of interesting patterns. The shapes and textures of trees, which once existed there and hornitos caused when pockets of gas or water trapped under the lava exploded. The Sullivan Bay lava is known a panoehoe (Hawaiian for rope). This thin-skinned lava's molten material cools down after an eruption causing the surface materials to buckle creating a rope like appearance. Panoehoe lava is rare to the rest of the world, but is common to the volcanoes of Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. The walk takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half. Returning to the shoreline black and white oystercatchers can be seen fishing for crabs and mollusks in the tide pools.

Meals:  B,L,D

Located in the northeast part of Galapagos, this relatively small island is a low-lying volcano rising just above the ocean surface. Tower attracts an enormous number of pelagic seabirds that come there to nest. Great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels all breed here by the thousands. Located on the eastern side of Darwin's Bay visiting Prince Phillips Steps begins with a scenic panga ride along the rocky cliff ledges. The ride permits an outstanding vantage point to view the island's many shore birds; red-billed tropicbirds navigating their way into the small crevasses that harbour their nests, red-footed boobies perch in the Palo Santo trees, while Frigate birds fly endlessly searching for food. The climb up the stairs is fairly easy for those with good balance, and a handrail helps make the journey more manageable. At the top of the steps the trail becomes relatively flat and bird life abounds. Masked boobies and blue-footed boobies nest in the rocks and on the ground while great Frigate birds, magnificent Frigate birds and red-footed boobies nest in the trees and bushes. Depending on the time of year it is possible to see thousands of birds nesting on Tower. Galapagos Doves and the Tower species of the Galapagos Mockingbird are frequently seen. Four types of Darwin´s finches visible from this site including the sharp-beaked ground finch, large cactus finch and the warbler finch and the Tower version of the large ground finch with its heavy bill. At the end of forest the trail reaches a lava field at the west end of the island. Here buzzing over the lava are thousands of small storm petrels looking for the crevice they make their home. Short-eared owls fly over the lava hunting their favourite meal, storm petrel eggs. At the end of trail near the cliffs visitors are treated to even more birds. Red-billed tropicbirds, blue-footed boobies, Audubon's shearwaters, Noddy terns, red-footed boobies, Frigate birds and masked boobies fill the air. Highlights: incredible birding opportunities; the trail can be difficult please bring water and good hiking shoes. This afternoon we have a wet landing at Darwin Bay. Once ashore the number of birds seems overwhelming, Nazca boobies soar overhead; great Frigate birds display their pouches while resting on the nearby rocks and plants, mockingbirds scamper quickly across the sand. It's easy to see why Darwin Bay is a favorite of birders. Beyond the beach a series of tide pools carved out of black volcanic rock offer wandering tattlers, lava gulls and turnstones a place to fish. Yellow-crowned, black-crowned and lava herons and White and yellow warblers have also been seen in the area. The trail follows the coast through the salt bush and mangrove nesting area of the great Frigate birds and red-footed boobies. Unlike the masked and blue-footed boobies who nest on the ground, the Red-Footed Boobies can be seen nesting in trees between September and July. Boobies and frigates share an adversarial relationship. They nest in the same areas. Boobies frequently destroy the Frigate bird nests, while Frigate birds feed on booby eggs. Continuing on the trail, visitors climb gradually to the edge of the cliff seeing red-foots nesting in the mangrove trees below. Bird watching from the trail includes sightings of sharp-beaked finch, large cactus finches, large ground finches, Galapagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. Reaching the end the trail at the cliff's edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there. Highlights: incredible birding opportunities. During high tide the trail may be covered by water, thus you may want to bring tevas (water shoes) or aqua socks with you.

Meals:  B,L,D

On your final day we make our way from Black Turtle Cove to Santa Cruz Island. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three-mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As we drift though the quite waters in our panga, we are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egret, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will leave you feeling that way. We head back to the airport at Baltra for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland. Upon arrival on the mainland your trip concludes.

Meals:  B